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University of Leicester Forensic Research Centre Joins the Police to Fight Crime

Centre that has produced ground-breaking results to be formally launched on 14 May

A collaboration between the University of Leicester Forensic Research Centre and the Northamptonshire Police Scientific Support Unit, which has already produced some ground-breaking results, is to be formally launched on 14th May.

Current successes from the collaboration include the development of a method of analysing fingerprints using x-rays and nanoparticles; and a study into the way fingerprints can corrode metal surfaces. The latter technique can enhance - after firing- a fingerprint that has been deposited on a small calibre metal cartridge case before it is fired.

Another project explores how drug use affects an offender's likelihood of being caught through forensic science analysis of the crime scene, while a further project studies ways of identifying offenders by traces of their footwear. Offenders may vary the make and type of their shoes, but they are less likely to vary the price they pay for them, it seems.

Research projects are led by Dr John Bond, the Manager of the Northamptonshire Police Scientific Support Unit and an Honorary Fellow of the Leicester Forensic Research Centre.

The collaboration between the University of Leicester and the Northamptonshire Police first came about when a student taking a Masters course in Forensic Psychology undertook her dissertation research with the Northamptonshire Scientific Support Unit.

Now the Unit regularly takes students on placement as part of their MSc, producing such high quality work that certain projects have been published by renowned peer review journals.

Dr Bond commented: "This is a wonderful opportunity for our two organisations to build on the close working relationship we have enjoyed for a number of years. I am confident that, together, we can greatly enhance the use of forensic science to detect crime.

Dr Emma Palmer, Director of the Forensic Research Centre at the University, added: "The collaborative work conducted with Northamptonshire Police highlights the important applications of research conducted in the forensic area at Leicester. It is also refreshing to see the range of disciplines that this collaboration has involved, from engineering and chemistry to psychology.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester Professor Robert Burgess said: "Advanced research at the University of Leicester has had an impact on forensic science in numerous ways. The landmark discovery of DNA fingerprinting at this University is a case in point and our forensic research extends to areas such as psychological profiling, forensic analysis and criminology.

"I welcome this collaboration which has already produced some outstanding results and which, I am sure, will continue to demonstrate how academic research can play an important part in supporting police in the fight against crime."

The framework agreement between the University of Leicester Forensic Research Centre and the Northampton Police Scientific Support Unit will be signed on Wednesday 14th May at the University of Leicester, in the Vice-Chancellor's office.

Signatories will be the Deputy Chief Constable of Northamptonshire police, Davina Logan, and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, Professor Robert Burgess. Also present will be Dr John Bond and Dr Emma Palmer.


For more information on this please contact Dr Emma Palmer, University of Leicester, email ejp8@le.ac.uk, telephone 0116 258 4394.